Rising up out of this earthly realm with an angelic escort, we suddenly broke through into the Heavenly realm. Now my eyes were met with an intense shock of gleaming blue. There were a thousand different shades of indigo, azure, cobalt, royal and sky blue all whirling together like a gemstone cut into millions of facets with light being reflected off each one. I was standing on the sapphire sea, the sea of glass, the crystal sea in Heaven.

The throne seems to be situated in the middle of this expanse which appears to spread out from there for miles in every direction. It is the Throne-room of God. Rev. 4:6 refers to a “transparent, glassy sea as if of crystal, before the throne”. However, this ‘sea’ can change appearance at times. In Rev. 15:2-4 it is mingled with fire as the victorious, redeemed ones stand upon it, praising the Lamb of God.

In Exodus 24 we find a different account of this ‘sea’. In the first verse of that chapter God had invited Moses to bring Aaron, his sons and 70 of the elders of Israel and come up into the mountain (Mt. Sinai). Apparently when they reached the appointed place, they broke through the natural realm and stepped into the Heavenly realm. Verse 10 and 11: “And they saw the God of Israel. And under His feet was a paved work of (transparent) sapphire stone. He did not stretch out His hands to the nobles of the sons of Israel (to harm them or hide Himself from them). And they saw God and they ate and drank!”

One could spend days in passages such as this in the book of Exodus and slowly begin to comprehend what really happened at Mt. Sinai. Reading chapter 19 very carefully and slowly will reveal why there was so much of the fear of God associated with this place. Now He was actually inviting not just Moses, but many of the leaders to come up into His very Presence.

However, my point in referring to this passage was to show the different ways that the sea of glass can appear. Often it is a calm, glassy surface. At other times the music and praise of Heaven stirs it into large waves like the ocean when the tide comes in. (Everything in that realm is tied together in oneness with God. This is also evident in the book of Revelation. When the saints or the living creatures give praise to Him the 24 elders cast their crowns before Him and the angels worship as well.) Sometimes this surface becomes transparent so that one can look through it and view the earth beneath, rather like videos taken from space where the continents are clearly visible.

Most often it is the scene of a jubilant celebration. I have stood among thousands upon thousands of the Redeemed offering their praises in many different ways upon the crystal sea. They were singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. Some were waving banners and brightly colored streamers. But all of this multitude of the Redeemed were moving together as a giant dance troupe choreographed by the Holy Spirit. The joy and oneness between them was tangible and all were intent on one thing – to praise the One who is worthy of all praise.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come. (Rev. 4:8)

2 responses to “Heaven – The Sea of Glass”

As always, I am so blessed by your testimonies. The glory of the Lord and His goodness shines through your account and causes me to desire Him more and more! Reading about heaven and thinking about it makes me feel homesick! I have not experienced heaven yet, and yet I know that there is nothing in this world that could compare. I believe we all know that deep in our hearts! Thank you for sharing your beautiful experiences, they are a blessing to read.